Fremantle finished the NAB Challenge undefeated, but defender Garrick Ibbotson said the team knows the real work starts with the Western Bulldogs in round one.
“We played them last year and they were really good.” Ibbotson said.
Freo held off the Bulldogs in a 13-point win in round seven last year, and while they were seen as a surprise packet of 2015, Ibbotson said he and his teammates would know what to expect when they play at Etihad Stadium in round one.
“They’re a side on the improve, and we know it’s going to be a tough game,” he said.
“They play quite a fast brand of football.
“Hopefully we’ll try and keep the ball off them as much as possible, keep it in our hands and score.”
Fremantle’s pre-season began with speculation about the health of the list but with impressive form and the successful return of key players, Ibbotson was confident about Freo’s position heading into round one.
“The pre-season is always tough without playing games and it’s always easier to go and chase a footy around,” he said.
“But we’re fit, we’re healthy and only have a two or three in rehab.”
